30-day journey
General Examination of Conscience
A daily practice of reviewing the day with God — a key tool for spiritual growth and preparation for confession.
The daily examination of conscience (examen) was promoted by Saint Ignatius of Loyola. It takes five to ten minutes and is traditionally made at the end of the day.
Steps
- 1
Give thanks
Recall the gifts of the day — people, moments, graces — and thank God for them.
- 2
Ask for light
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the movements of the day clearly.
- 3
Review the day
Walk back through the hours: your thoughts, words, and actions. Where did you respond to grace? Where did you resist it?
- 4
Express sorrow
For any sins or failures, express genuine contrition: O my God, I am sorry.
- 5
Look to tomorrow
Ask for grace for the coming day, particularly in areas where you struggled today.